Promise 18: Universal health care for all within 3 years

Health

The Promise
An Aquino administration will achieve Universal Health Care in three years or less.

The Aquino administration will go beyond ensuring that each Filipino has a PhilHealth card. Universal Health Care should mean that every PhilHealth cardholder will get not merely the card; but more important, the essential health services, basic medicines and appropriate quality health care.

The Aquino administration will also direct PhilHealth to expand outpatient health care benefits as required by law.

The Aquino administration will work with LGUs and the private health sector to make sure that accredited services are available in hospitals and clinics everywhere

Quote/s
"We will go beyond ensuring that each Filipino has a PhilHealth card. Universal Health Care should mean that every PhilHealth cardholder will get not merely the card; but more important, the essential health services, basic medicines and appropriate quality health cards,” Aquino said in the Universal Health Care Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

"Our shared dream of universal health care and the goals we aim for can only be achieved if, together, we stand vigilant and fight corruption – the disease that plagues our government and our society,” Aquino said in the Universal Health Care Forum at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

June 7, 2014 - The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill providing for mandatory PhilHealth coverage of all senior citizens that will expand the scope of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The measure is expected to be approved on third and final reading next week. (Continue reading)

February 11, 2014 - The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. said it will sanction government hospitals that will not shoulder the hospitalization and medical expenses of its poorest members. PhilHealth said it is now implementing the "point-of-care system" for the 14 million poorest of the poor in the country. (Continue reading)

July 22, 2013 - President Aquino has signed the National Health Insurance Act of 2013, which provides mandatory healthcare for all Filipinos. Republic Act 10606 amends the law on PhilHealth to expand coverage to other sectors such as the poorest of the poor, abandoned children, persons with disabilities, and those who are not regularly employed. (Continue reading)

July 25, 2012: The Department of Health, together with the Universal Health Care Study Group of the University of the Philippines, and Asia 21 Young Leaders’ Initiative Philippines, launched the Secretary’s Cup, a series of events that aimed to show to the Filipino people what Universal Health Care is all about, and how it can impact the lives of every Filipino.(Continue reading)

July 18, 2012: In support of universal health care, PhilHealth has provided health insurance coverage for all national government-paid 5.2 million poor families and has paid out over P16-billion of benefits and expects to further expand it on the month of July.(Continue reading)

July 9, 2012: OFWs can now ensure better health for their families and enjoy a worry-free stay abroad once they become a member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). PhilHealth executive officer Eduardo Banzon said at a cost of only P7.50 a day, OFWs and their whole households can be shielded against unforeseen hospital and other medical expenses. (Continue reading)

January 17, 2012: Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona explained that the DOH is working to further reduce out-of-pocket expenses of Filipinos. (Continue Reading)

October 19, 2011: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will pay the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) P1.5 billion premiums in arrears covering 2.9 million indigent families... "In support of the President's vision for universal healthcare coverage for all, especially the poor and the vulnerable, we need to settle our obligations with PhilHealth which, if left unpaid, might affect its performance in the long run," Abad said. (Continue Reading)